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[Youtube] Automatic GPIO template extraction/setting for BK7231/OpenBeken devices

p.kaczmarek2 3033 0

TL;DR

  • OpenBeken can now automatically extract Tuya JSON configuration and GPIO templates for BK7231 devices, removing most manual pin-guessing work.
  • It reads the Tuya Config Partition from flash memory without overwriting it, then decodes the data with BK7231GUIFlashTool and imports it into the OpenBeken Web App.
  • The same method works for devices flashed via WiFi or wires, and you can also use a 2MB flash backup from BK7231GUIFlashTool.
  • Custom Tuya and TuyaMCU devices still need manual configuration because they do not store settings in the Tuya config partition, and the extracted config still needs verification.
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
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  • [Youtube] Automatic GPIO template extraction/setting for BK7231/OpenBeken devices
    Latest OpenBeken devices can be automatically configured with just a few clicks - figuring out device template manually is no longer needed. OpenBeken is now able to extract Tuya JSON configuration and import it for most of the devices available in the market.
    In the past, in order to, for example, figure out to which GPIO relay is connected, users had to either check the device PCB and follow traces, or resort to guessing (preferably with GPIODoctor), but now it's no longer the case!
    Recent OpenBeken version is able to extract Tuya Config Partition, which is available in device flash memory, even after flashing OpenBeken - OpenBeken does not overwrite it!
    After extracting the partition, you can decode it with out flasher, get it here:
    https://github.com/openshwprojects/BK7231GUIFlashTool
    and then you can import it into OpenBeken Web App, see Import tab.

    Here's a video guide for whole process:



    The following method works for both devices flashed via WiFi, and for devices flashed via wires.

    You can also do the similar approach, but instead of getting binary from OpenBeken Web App, you can get 2MB flash backup directly from BK7231GUIFlashTool, it will work in the same way.

    The following way is constantly improved and we are still adding parsing of new Tuya Config sections, so if something is missing, report it to us and submit your cfg partition for research, thanks!

    Also keep in mind that custom Tuya devices/TuyaMCU devices don't store their configuration in Tuya config partition, so they still have to be configured manually. For TuyaMCU ones, you may consider using this tool:
    https://www.elektroda.com/rtvforum/topic3970199.html#20528459

    Thank you for attention. We hope this automatic template extraction will ease your start with your new smart devices and save you a significant amount of time, but remember - you still have to double check config to make sure it's correct and complete.

    PS: If you extract a config for a device not yet listed here:
    https://openbekeniot.github.io/webapp/devicesList.html
    feel free to post it to our forum with some basic information, we're still working on our teardowns list, even while automatic configuration is available.

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    p.kaczmarek2
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    p.kaczmarek2 wrote 14725 posts with rating 12809, helped 659 times. Been with us since 2014 year.
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FAQ

TL;DR: 2MB flash backup and “few clicks” setup let BK7231/OpenBeken users extract Tuya GPIO templates automatically instead of tracing relay pins manually. This FAQ explains the OpenBeken workflow for importing Tuya JSON configuration into the Web App and checking the result. [#20595479]

Why it matters: Automatic template extraction can save teardown time, but imported GPIO roles still need verification before use.

Approach Input needed Best use Limitation
OpenBeken Tuya Config extraction Tuya Config Partition or 2MB flash backup Most market devices with stored Tuya JSON Missing sections must be reported
Manual PCB tracing Physical PCB access Devices without usable config data Slow and hardware-intensive
GPIODoctor guessing GPIO testing in software Finding relay or button pins manually Still requires trial-and-check
TuyaMCU tool TuyaMCU data path TuyaMCU devices Not handled by normal config partition import

Key insight: OpenBeken does not overwrite the Tuya Config Partition, so the original configuration can remain available after flashing. That makes post-flash GPIO template recovery possible for supported devices.

Quick Facts

  • OpenBeken can extract the Tuya Config Partition from device flash memory even after OpenBeken flashing, because OpenBeken does not overwrite that partition. [#20595479]
  • BK7231GUIFlashTool can decode the extracted Tuya JSON configuration and can also create a 2MB flash backup for the same extraction workflow. [#20595479]
  • The import target is the OpenBeken Web App, specifically its Import tab. [#20595479]
  • The method works for devices flashed by WiFi and for devices flashed through wires. [#20595479]
  • Custom Tuya devices and TuyaMCU devices do not store their configuration in the Tuya Config Partition, so they still need manual or tool-specific setup. [#20595479]

How do I automatically extract and apply a GPIO template for a BK7231/OpenBeken device?

Extract the Tuya Config Partition, decode it, then import it into OpenBeken.
  1. Get the Tuya Config Partition from OpenBeken, or make a 2MB flash backup.
  2. Decode the configuration with BK7231GUIFlashTool.
  3. Import the decoded template in the OpenBeken Web App Import tab.
The author says the process now takes “just a few clicks” for most market devices. [#20595479]

What is the Tuya Config Partition and how does OpenBeken use it for device configuration?

OpenBeken uses the Tuya Config Partition to recover the device’s original GPIO template. "Tuya Config Partition" is a flash-memory section that stores Tuya JSON configuration, letting OpenBeken decode pin roles such as relays, LEDs, and buttons without manual PCB tracing. OpenBeken can extract this partition after installation because it does not overwrite it. [#20595479]

How can I decode a Tuya JSON configuration using BK7231GUIFlashTool?

Decode the extracted Tuya JSON configuration with BK7231GUIFlashTool from the OpenSHWProjects GitHub repository. "BK7231GUIFlashTool" is a flashing and backup utility that handles BK7231 device data, including decoding Tuya configuration extracted from flash or a 2MB backup. The decoded result can then feed the OpenBeken import workflow. [#20595479]

Where in the OpenBeken Web App do I import an extracted Tuya device template?

Import the extracted Tuya device template in the OpenBeken Web App Import tab. The thread names this tab as the place to load the decoded configuration after using the flasher. This applies after extracting the partition or using a 2MB flash backup. [#20595479]

How does automatic GPIO template extraction compare with manually tracing PCB pins or using GPIODoctor?

Automatic extraction replaces most manual GPIO discovery for supported devices. Before this workflow, users had to inspect the PCB, follow traces, or guess GPIO roles with GPIODoctor. Now OpenBeken can import Tuya JSON configuration for most market devices, reducing trial-and-error work. [#20595479]

Why is the Tuya configuration still available after flashing OpenBeken?

The Tuya configuration remains available because OpenBeken does not overwrite the Tuya Config Partition. The thread explicitly states that OpenBeken can extract this partition even after flashing OpenBeken. That preservation enables configuration recovery without reopening the device. [#20595479]

What is OpenBeken and which smart devices does it support?

OpenBeken is firmware for configuring supported Tuya-style smart devices based on chips such as BK7231. "OpenBeken" is device firmware that provides a Web App and GPIO role configuration, including automatic import of Tuya JSON templates for many supported market devices. The thread covers BK7231/OpenBeken devices and mentions WiFi-flashed and wire-flashed units. [#20595479]

What is BK7231GUIFlashTool used for when flashing or backing up BK7231 devices?

BK7231GUIFlashTool decodes Tuya configuration and can create a complete 2MB flash backup. In this workflow, users can extract data through OpenBeken or directly back up flash with the tool. Both paths can provide configuration data for OpenBeken import. [#20595479]

How can I create a 2MB flash backup with BK7231GUIFlashTool for OpenBeken configuration extraction?

Use BK7231GUIFlashTool to read a 2MB flash backup directly from the BK7231 device. Then decode the backup to recover the Tuya configuration. The thread states this backup path works the same way as getting the binary from the OpenBeken Web App. [#20595479]

Which types of Tuya devices cannot be configured automatically from the Tuya Config Partition?

Custom Tuya devices and TuyaMCU devices cannot use this automatic Tuya Config Partition method. The thread states that these devices do not store their configuration in the Tuya config partition. They still require manual configuration or a TuyaMCU-specific tool. [#20595479]

How should I configure TuyaMCU devices when automatic OpenBeken template extraction does not work?

Configure TuyaMCU devices manually or use the TuyaMCU-focused tool linked in the thread. "TuyaMCU" is a Tuya device architecture where a separate MCU manages device functions, so normal GPIO templates may not be stored in the Tuya Config Partition. The author points users to a separate TuyaMCU tool. [#20595479]

What should I do if OpenBeken imports a GPIO template but some functions are missing or incorrect?

Double-check the imported configuration and report missing parsing cases to the OpenBeken developers. The thread says parsing of new Tuya Config sections is still being improved. If something is missing, submit the cfg partition for research. [#20595479]

How can I submit a new extracted OpenBeken device configuration to the community device list?

Post the extracted configuration on the forum with basic device information if the device is not listed. The thread points to the OpenBeken devices list and invites users to share new configs. The community is still expanding its teardown and device-template database. [#20595479]

What information should I include when reporting an unsupported Tuya Config section to OpenBeken developers?

Include the cfg partition and basic device information when reporting an unsupported Tuya Config section. The thread specifically asks users to submit the cfg partition for research. Add whether the device was flashed by WiFi or wires, because both paths are covered. [#20595479]

What safety checks should I perform after automatically setting GPIO roles for relays, LEDs, and buttons in OpenBeken?

Verify every imported GPIO role before trusting the device in daily use. Check that relays switch correctly, LEDs indicate the expected state, and buttons trigger the intended action. The thread warns that users still must double-check whether the configuration is correct and complete. [#20595479]
AI summary based on the discussion. May contain errors.
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